The Arts Club of Chicago played a pivotal role in introducing modern art to the United States by hosting Pablo Picasso's first-ever exhibition in the country. Titled Original Drawings by Pablo Picasso, the show opened an exciting window to the works of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibit featured approximately 100 sketches and drawings created by Picasso throughout his career, showcasing the evolution of his artistic styles and techniques. The range of the drawings included works from his Blue Period to his more cubist and surrealist compositions, each piece reflecting a part of Picasso's journey as an artist.

The exhibition was met with significant interest from the art community, including collectors, critics, and the general public. The opening attracted notable figures in Chicago's cultural scene as well as many art enthusiasts eager to explore modern expressions of creativity, which were often absent from mainstream American galleries at the time. The event was integral in fostering dialogue about modernism, challenging conventions of artistic representation, and encouraging Americans to rethink their understanding of art.

As Picasso’s work began to influence American artists and art movements, this exhibition was a catalyst in broadening the appreciation and acceptance of modern European art forms in the U.S. It set the stage for a more profound cultural exchange between Europe and America, gradually shifting the landscape of art in the United States toward more experimental and avant-garde practices.